Indian visa application centres in Bangladesh have been indefinitely closed due to the ongoing instability in the country. The Indian Visa Application Centre has notified applicants via its website that further information regarding visa applications will be communicated through SMS, and passports should be collected on the next working day.
This decision comes in the wake of widespread violence that has engulfed Bangladesh, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In a dramatic turn of events, Hasina fled to India earlier this week after massive protests forced her out of power. The unrest began when demonstrations against a controversial job quota system, which reserved 30% of government jobs for families of veterans from the 1971 Liberation War, turned violent.
Initially, the protests were peaceful and primarily led by students. However, a heavy-handed police crackdown escalated the situation, transforming the demonstrations into a broader movement against Hasina’s 15-year rule. As the unrest grew, protesters demanded the 76-year-old leader step down. In response to the escalating violence, India evacuated 190 non-essential staff and their families from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Nevertheless, sources confirmed that all diplomats remain in Bangladesh, and the Indian missions continue to operate.
Indian diplomatic presence in Bangladesh is not limited to the High Commission in Dhaka. India also has assistant high commissions or consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. These missions play a crucial role in maintaining diplomatic relations between the two countries, especially in times of crisis.
The political turmoil in Bangladesh has also had severe repercussions on the Hindu community. Reports have emerged of widespread vandalism and looting of Hindu homes, businesses, and temples. The situation remains volatile, with the army-backed interim government set to take oath under the leadership of Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. Yunus was chosen by students to head the interim government as its chief adviser, and his appointment has sparked further protests across the nation.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is reportedly working on securing asylum for Sheikh Hasina in a European country. The situation in Bangladesh remains fluid, and it is unclear how long the unrest will continue or what the long-term implications will be for the region.
The closure of Indian visa centers in Bangladesh is a direct result of the country’s ongoing political instability. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, and further updates regarding visa applications will be provided as the situation evolves. Stay informed by regularly checking the Indian Visa Application Centre’s website for the latest updates.
For the latest updates on Indian visa application processes, please visit the official website of the Indian Visa Application Centre and ensure that you are signed up to receive SMS notifications.
